2nd Stamford Scouts have a go at purifying river water to help charity

Scouts have been collecting and purifying river water to raise money for Water Aid – an international charity that transforms lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation.

Boys and girls from 2nd Stamford Scouts walked from their headquarters in Empingham Road to Stamford Meadows where they used plastic containers and bottles to collect as much water as possible from the River Welland.

After walking back again, they set about purifying the water by pouring it through hand-made filters made from tights, sand and gravel before starting a fire to boil it.

Assistant scout leader Richard Baggaley said the exercise was intended to mirror the journeys made daily by many children in poverty-stricken countries around the world.

He said: “We asked the scouts to collect as much water as they possibly could, and after around four hours of work they were left with just a small pan full.

“That really drove home how tough life would be if you had to transport enough water for your family to drink, use for cooking, cleaning and bathing. It’s easy to take for granted the fact we have instant access to clean, safe tap water whenever we need it. A lot of people aren’t that lucky.”

If you would like to support 2nd Stamford Scouts with their fundraising for Water Aid, visit https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ 2ndstamfordwateraid